Summary
Expend4bles director Scott Waugh expresses optimism about Jackie Chan joining the franchise, saying that "anything's possible" if their schedules align.
For years, Chan has been a popular choice among fans to join The Expendables team. Stallone has made attempts to bring him onboard in past movies, yet Chan declined due to conflicting schedules and limited screen time.
With the disappointing performance and unfavorable reviews of Expend4bles at the box office, the future of The Expendables franchise is now uncertain.
Scott Waugh, director of Expendables 4, discussed the potential inclusion of Jackie Chan in Expendables 5. Prior to Expendables, Waugh directed Need for Speed in 2014. The cast of Expendables 4 includes Jason Statham, 50 Cent, Megan Fox, Dolph Lundgren, Andy Garcia, and Sylvester Stallone. Despite the film's disappointing box office performance, there are still discussions surrounding a potential Expendables 5.
During an interview with JoBlo Celebrity Interviews, Waugh was asked about the likelihood of Jackie Chan joining the franchise, as he has been a highly sought-after addition. Waugh replied that "anything is possible" and expressed excitement about the possibility of Chan joining the series. The decision would ultimately depend on Chan's schedule.
“Anything is possible, and it's no secret that Jackie is a devoted fan of Sly. The mutual admiration between Sly and Jackie is truly remarkable. If their busy schedules miraculously align, which is always a daunting task, I sincerely hope we can materialize this incredible opportunity. That would be absolutely fantastic and a dream come true.”
What Will Expendables 5 Look Like (If It Happens)?
Chan, a seasoned action star with more than 50 years of experience in the industry, has always been a favorite among fans to join The Expendables team. The Expendables movies have featured renowned action legends such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, and Harrison Ford, making Chan's absence from the lineup quite conspicuous. Despite Sylvester Stallone's attempts to recruit him for The Expendables 2 and The Expendables 3, Chan declined the offer on both occasions. He initially cited a scheduling conflict, and later expressed his reluctance due to concerns about his limited screen time, as he preferred to avoid roles where he would only have a brief presence.
After Expend4bles, the franchise may be searching for fresh talent. Unlike previous films, where Stallone played the lead alongside numerous sidekicks, Expend4bles showcased Statham as the main character. This passing of the torch suggests that The Expendables franchise is undergoing change, opening up the possibility of introducing new characters. With luck, Chan could be one of these additions.
Although Waugh expresses optimism for a future Expendables film beyond Expend4bles, the chances of The Expendables 5 are far from certain. Expend4bles received a remarkably low Rotten Tomatoes score of 15% and performed poorly at the domestic box office, earning only $8.3 million during its opening weekend. While the Expendables franchise has overcome negative reviews in the past, the combination of bad reviews and financial disappointment makes a fifth installment increasingly unlikely. Before considering Chan's inclusion, Stallone and The Expendables team must first decide if The Expendables 5 is even viable.
Source: JoBlo Celebrity Interviews